If you moved to Spain before Brexit, you may still be entitled to this tax-free UK benefit — regardless of your savings or pension.
Attendance Allowance (AA) is a UK government benefit paid to people over State Pension age who need help with personal care because of a physical or mental illness or disability. Crucially, it isn't means-tested — your savings, pension income or property make no difference. It's paid purely based on your care needs.
Yes — but only if you established your Spanish residency before the Brexit transition ended on 31 December 2020. Under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement, British nationals who were living in EU countries before that date retain the right to claim certain UK benefits, including Attendance Allowance.
If you moved to Spain after 31 December 2020, different rules apply and you should seek specific advice. If you moved before that date, the Withdrawal Agreement protects your entitlement.
To qualify for Attendance Allowance while living in Spain, you generally need to:
Many people underestimate what qualifies. You don't need someone physically helping you every day — you may qualify if you need help or supervision with any of the following:
Both rates are tax-free and paid on top of any State Pension you receive. Many successful claimants also receive a backdated payment from their application date.
The application covers your daily care needs, medical evidence and living situation in detail, and is completed and submitted for you directly through the DWP's online Attendance Allowance service — no wet-ink signatures required. How the form is completed makes a real difference to the outcome: many people who apply themselves receive a lower award, or an unnecessary rejection, simply because they underplay their needs.
Expat Entitlements handles the entire process on your behalf. We complete the form, gather evidence, submit the application and chase the DWP — on a No Win, No Fee basis. Nothing to pay upfront, and nothing at all if your claim is unsuccessful.